Uses

Principal Proposed Uses

Other Proposed Uses

Hydroxycitric acid (HCA), a derivative of citric acid, is found primarily in a small, sweet, purple fruit called the Malabar tamarind or, as it is most commonly called,
Garcinia cambogia
.
Test tube and animal research suggests that HCA may be helpful in weight loss because of its effects on metabolism. However, studies in humans have found mixed results.

Sources

HCA is not an essential nutrient. The Malabar tamarind is the only practical source of this supplement.

Therapeutic Dosages

A typical dosage of HCA is 250 to 1,000 mg 3 times daily. Supplements are available in many forms, including tablets, capsules, powders, and even snack bars. Products are often labeled
Garcinia cambogia
and standardized to contain a fixed percentage of HCA.
Various proprietary forms of HCA are also available, often claimed by their promoters to be more effective.

In contrast, a 12-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 135 overweight individuals, who were given either placebo or 500 mg of HCA (as
Garcinia cambogia
extract standardized to contain 50% HCA) 3 times daily, found no effect on body weight or fat mass.
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However, this study has been criticized for using a high-fiber diet, which is thought to impair HCA absorption.
17

A 12-week double-blind trial of 89 individuals found that HCA had no effect on appetite.
18
Another study tested HCA to see if it could cause weight loss by altering metabolism, but no effects on metabolism were found.
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Safety Issues

The Malabar tamarind (from which HCA is extracted) is a traditional food and flavoring in Southeast Asia. No serious side effects have been reported from animal or human studies involving either fruit extracts or the concentrated chemical. A proprietary calcium-potassium salt of HCA appears to have undergone considerable formal safety study, without evidence of toxicity appearing.
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However, maximum safe doses have not been established, especially for pregnant or nursing women, young children, or people with severe liver or kidney disease.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.